Top Five Technology Resolutions for Real Estate Agents in 2014

Is 2014 the year you will become a paper-less agent? Or the year you will connect with more potential customers by hosting virtual open houses? If becoming a tech savvy agent is part of your 2014 selling strategy, we’ve compiled the top five technology resolutions you should set – and the apps to help you stick to them.

Genius Scan + ($4.99, Android/IOS): Turn any piece of paper into a JPEG or PDF file with this app’s photo upload feature.

2. Upgrade your photography skills – and downsize your equipment: There’s no need to carry a bulky camera, to photograph your listings when you can take the same quality of photos on your mobile device. Apps to help you:

Camera+ ($1.99, Android/IOS): This app’s digital zoom, ability to control the exposure, photo clarity and special effects result in professional quality photos.

Instasize (Free, Android/IOS): Tired of Instragram’s resize rules? Showcase your listings on Instagram in their actual size using this app.

Pic Stitch (Free, Android/IOS): Show potential buyers the lifestyle your listings could offer by creating collages of the best neighborhood restaurants, shops, and scenery.

3. Streamline your open house process: What if you could ditch the paper and pen sign-in sheets at your open house and still follow-up with visitors before they’ve pulled out of the driveway? Apps to help you:

Open Home Pro™ app ($14.99, iOS): The Open Home Pro™ app takes the place of a sign-in sheet at open houses and will allow you to collect more qualified leads. You can also automate follow-up with homebuyers and send them property details while the open house is still in progress.

4. Use technology to be creative with hosting open houses: Add a sense of exclusivity to your open houses, or appeal to out-of-town buyers. Apps to help you:

Google Hangouts (Free, iOS/Android): Host a virtual open house for your out-of-state buyers using this free video conference app. You can also provide potential buyers with a virtual tour of the neighborhood.

5. Make your listings interactive: Give potential buyers the opportunity to engage with your listings and the neighborhood prior to seeing the home. Apps to help you:

Animoto (Free, iOS/Android): Turn your listing photos into a beautiful, pro-quality video with music and text.

MagicPlan (Free, iOS): If your listing has a unique floor plan, use this app to showcase the layout with its 3D floor plan feature.

Pinterest (Free, iOS/Android): Highlight the best spots in your neighborhood by taking advantage of the site’s map feature boards.

Looking for more advice on how to accomplish your 2014 real estate resolutions? Find out the six recruiting resolutions every agent should adopt for 2014 here.